Sunday, March 6, 2011

Strikeforce still hasn't nailed down plans on an April 9 card, but they're still setting up fights for an event on the date. According to a report from MMAWeekly.com, one possible fight may see light heavyweights Roger Gracie and Gegard Mousasi meet.

Per the report, the two have verbally agreed to the contest, but no bout agreements have been signed.

Gracie would be taking a giant leap in competition from Trevor Prangley in this bout, especially considering it will only be his fifth career fight. But he's won the previous four, all by submission.

Mousasi would be returning to Strikeforce for the first time since last April, where he lost the Light Heavyweight Championship in a draining five round decision against Muhammed "King" Mo Lawal. But the 30-3-1 fighter has since captured the DREAM Light Heavyweight Championship with consecutive submission victories.

Strikeforce has remained silent on the event, outside of announcing earlier this month that they'd be running an event on that date; but a report stating the Heavyweight Grand Prix was being removed from this card have not been refuted, and it appears likely to be headlined by two title fights with Gilbert Melendez and Nick Diaz defending their titles.

Penick's Analysis: Man, this is a huge leap for Gracie. Mousasi's takedown defense is lacking, but Gracie's been able to get takedowns recently by getting in range and dragging his opponents down rather than shooting in on them. Mousasi's capable of sticking and moving in range with his striking, and he's extremely dangerous on the feet. I don't think this is the right fight for Gracie at this point, but that's not to say he can't shock people.